Bioactive calcium silicate/poly-ε-caprolactone composite scaffolds 3D printed under mild conditions for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The present study provides a solvent-free processing method for establishing the ideal porous 3-dimension (3D) scaffold filled with different ratios of calcium silicate-based (CS) powder and polycaprolactone (PCL) for 3D bone substitute application. Characterization of hybrid scaffolds developed underwent assessments for physicochemical properties and biodegradation. Adhesion and growth of human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) on the CS/PCL blended scaffold were investigated in vitro. Cell attachment and morphology were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal microscope observations. Colorimetric assay was tested for assessing cell metabolic activity. In addition, RT-qPCR was also performed for the osteogenic-related and angiogenesis-related gene expression. As a result, the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds was further significantly improved after we additive CS into PCL, as well as the compressive strength up to 5.8 MPa. SEM showed that a great amount of precipitated bone-like apatite formed on the scaffold surface after immersed in the simulated body fluid. The 3D-printed scaffolds were found to enhance cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, results of osteogenesis and angiogenesis proteins were expressed obviously greater in the response of WJMSCs. These results indicate the CS/PCL composite exhibited a favorable bioactivity and osteoconductive properties that could be served as a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Antimicrobial Activity of 3D-Printed Poly(ε-Caprolactone) (PCL) Composite Scaffolds Presenting Vancomycin-Loaded Polylactic Acid-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Microspheres

“…However, studies have shown that a single polymer may not have all the properties required for an ideal scaffold, and most synthetic polymers have poor cell affinity due to their hydrophobic surface and lack of cell biological recognition [ 47 ]. Therefore, a variety of methods have been used to create hybrid scaffolds with carefully tuned surface roughness and hydrophilicity in order to create a good tissue interface conducive to cell ingrowth and osteoblast differentiation [ 48 , 49 ]. PDA coating technology was inspired by the adhesive proteins secreted by mussels.…”

Biomimetic delivery of signals for bone tissue engineering

“…Minerals such as calcium phosphonate (CaP) and hydroxyapatite have been widely used in a variety of orthopedic implants and scaffolds, 18 , 23 , 102 and these minerals and the ions released have been demonstrated to promote pre-osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. 103 , 104 Uniform and controlled deposition of minerals throughout the implants can be achieved through various methods. Simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation was originally developed to achieve mineral deposition onto scaffolds but this process was time-consuming, taking several weeks to form ideal mineral deposition.…”

Surface Modification of Calcium Silicate via Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine and Effective Adsorption of Extracellular Matrix to Promote Osteogenesis Differentiation for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Therefore, bone cements are regarded as one of the most promising candidates in current bone bio-engineering research. Not only do calcium silicate (CS) cements have good bio-activities, but studies have shown that CS cements also have high binding affinities to both live tissues and bones [ 5 ]. Much attention has been placed on CS bioactive cements, as compared to calcium phosphate derivatives, due to its versatility.…”